Technology Opportunities

Shape memory foams are lightweight materials that can undergo significant reversible and reproducible changes in their dimensions when heated above a specific stimulus temperature. The shape is then ‘locked’ in when the material is cooled. These materials can have biomedical applications, can be incorporated into mechanical systems and can be used to create ‘healing’ materials for spacecraft, automobiles or watercraft. This invention is a specific class of shape memory foam that can be customized for a wide range of stimulus temperatures and mechanical properties through variations in the chemical composition of the material.